Atletico chasing Osvaldo

Atletico Madrid are on the verge of signing Roma striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, according to the player's agent.

The La Liga outfit are keen on bolstering their attacking options and see Osvaldo as the ideal solution.

The 27-year-old, who scored 17 goals in 31 appearances for Roma last term, is known in Spain after a two-season stint with Espanyol.

While Osvaldo has been in decent form on the pitch, he was dropped last month from the Italy squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup by manager Cesare Prandelli after he insulted Roma coach Aurelio Andreazzoli.

Osvaldo made the remarks both on the field during the Coppa Italia final loss to arch-rivals Lazio and on Twitter afterwards, and his agent – who confirmed talks between Atletico and Roma were continuing – admitted his client needs to cool his temper.

Osvaldo's agent, Diego Tavano, told Radio Mana Mana Sport: "The negotiations are taking place and the fee will be around 18 million euros.

"The attacker is well liked in Spain and he just needs to find the right emotional balance because he has incredible qualities."